European Social Fund in England

Regional ESF Frameworks Evaluation

The aim of the regional ESF frameworks study was to evaluate the extent to which regional ESF frameworks for 2007-2010 address regional employment and skills needs and inform the plans of Co-financing Organisations (CFOs).

The main objectives of the study were to:

• assess whether regional ESF frameworks address the ESF Operational Programme and regional priorities;
• assess whether ESF frameworks effectively inform CFO plans;
• identify improvements to the process for future bidding rounds;
• identify changes or improvements for the development of future regional ESF frameworks for 2010-2013; and
• identify good practice to aid the development of future ESF frameworks.

The methodology had four main stages:

• desk research
• case studies
• analysis and recommendations
• dissemination

When will the research take place? Interviews took place in May and June 2009 and the report was published in August 2009.

Where can I find more information: A synopsis of the evaluation and the full evaluation report are available on the DWP website.